HeyGen

HeyGen is an AI avatar video platform where users type a script to get a video, ideal for marketers and trainers.

About

HeyGen

HeyGen is wild—create professional videos with AI avatars that look and sound real. No camera, no studio, just type your script and pick your virtual spokesperson. You can even clone voices and create videos in multiple languages with perfect lip-sync. It's the future of video production, especially for training, marketing, or any time you need to scale video creation.

But let's talk about the elephant in the room—these are still AI avatars. While impressive, they might not nail the subtle emotions or spontaneity of real humans. Plus, there's the whole ethical thing about deepfakes and digital doubles. Amazing tech, but it might feel a bit uncanny valley for some viewers. What's your take: is the efficiency worth potentially losing that human connection? For authentic human presence without the uncanny valley, consider using real footage enhanced with AI-selected background music and marketing-optimized editing.

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HeyGen

Descript

Descript is a video editor for podcasters and YouTubers that allows editing video like text, with features like Overdub and Studio Sound.

About

Descript

Descript flipped video editing on its head—edit video like you edit text. Delete a word in the transcript? That part vanishes from the video. Rearrange sentences? The video rearranges too. It's mind-blowing for podcast and talking-head content. Plus, features like overdub (fixing mistakes with AI voice cloning) and studio sound make it feel like magic.

The text-based approach is revolutionary for speech-driven content, but it's less intuitive for visual storytelling. While they're adding more traditional features, it still feels most natural when your narrative follows a transcript. Complex visual effects and color grading? Not really Descript's strong suit. So what drives your content: the spoken word or the visual story? For comprehensive video editing with text-based features, explore tools that offer MP4 to text conversion alongside full AI video editing capabilities.

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Descript

Submagic is a better alternative

Submagic is the better alternative to HeyGen & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to HeyGen & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Google Global Review : 4.9/5Trustpilot Global Review : 4.8/5G2 Global Review : 4.9/5

Trusted by 100+ Top Creators

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Overview of HeyGen Vs Descript : Transforming Long Videos into Viral Shorts with AI

HeyGen

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

  • Realistic AI avatars eliminate filming
  • Fast, no editing skills needed
  • 175+ language support
  • Avatars can feel robotic
  • Free plan has watermark
  • Limited traditional editing features

HeyGen

Pricing plans

Plan

Cost

Free
$0
Creator
$29
Team
$39

HeyGen

Reviews

Brooke Burgess

I saw a colleague sharing a Heygen vid and honestly couldn't believe the results - had to try for myself with an extra critical eye. And...wow.

Andy

The platform and service keeps getting improved and has not disappointed us. The intuitive UI lends itself to making avatar videos and pictures a breeze.

Ignacio J. Fernandez B.

False advertisement. I paid what I believed it was only 39 usd for the team plan and came to be 78 usd instead as they charge per user.

Descript

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

  • Revolutionary text-based editing
  • Overdub voice cloning, Studio Sound
  • Good free plan
  • Not ideal for traditional editors
  • Resource-intensive
  • Export quality concerns

Descript

Pricing plans

Plan

Cost

Free
$0
Creator
$12/mo
Business
$24/mo

Descript

Reviews

Tom

Disappointing AI Voice Generation and Poor Value for Money! [Note: This was the most positive review available - Descript has predominantly negative reviews]

Sally

The transcript accuracy is a step up from something I was using several years ago [Mixed review with significant issues noted]

Tanya Hopper

Worst video editing software. Descript has ruined a number of video projects for me and lost me money - lagging audio, glitchy play back and poor customer service.

Submagic is a better alternative

Submagic is the better alternative to HeyGen & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to HeyGen & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Google Global Review : 4.9/5Trustpilot Global Review : 4.8/5G2 Global Review : 4.9/5

Trusted by 100+ Top Creators

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Frequently asked questions

How does an AI clip maker work?

An AI clip maker scans long-form videos or podcasts using artificial intelligence to automatically identify the most engaging moments, then slices them into short clips with captions, animations, and transitions. It's a powerful way to repurpose content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

One thing to note is that an AI clip generator is not necessarily an AI video generator.

Can AI-generated videos be monetized on YouTube?

Yes, as long as your AI-generated videos follow YouTube's monetization guidelines and add original value—like commentary, visuals, or voiceovers—you can absolutely monetize them. AI tools help you create faster, but your creativity is still the magic ingredient.

How do I add a text-to-speech voiceover?

Most AI video editors have a text-to-speech option built in—just type your script, choose your AI voice, and click generate. It’s an easy way to add professional voiceovers to explainer videos, product demos, or tutorials without recording anything yourself.

How does text-to-video AI work?

Text-to-video AI turns written text prompts into fully edited video content—complete with visuals, animations, subtitles, and voiceovers. It automates video production so creators can go from script to video clips in minutes instead of hours.

How to switch the AI Avatar’s voice category?

Most AI avatar tools have voice categories based on tone or language—you just head to the voice settings and pick a different category (like professional, energetic, or friendly). It’s like casting the perfect voice actor, but instantly.

What are the top AI tools for generating video clips?

Top AI tools like Submagic, Pictory, and Descript make it incredibly easy to generate short clips from long-form content. They handle captions, visuals, templates, and even AI voiceovers—ideal for creators repurposing webinars, podcasts, or YouTube content into snackable, engaging videos for social media platforms.

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